Developers plan for inquiry (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Developers plan for inquiry

9:57am Thursday 16th March 2006 in Search By Paul Wellstead

THE developers behind plans for a golf course in Theydon Bois are preparing for a public inquiry as they appeal against a dumping ban imposed by Epping Forest District Council.

The council's district development control committee issued an enforcement notice to halt dumping at the Coopersale Lane site in January, after officers reported that the land had been raised by up to five metres and estimated that almost double the agreed 169,000 cubic metres of material had been taken on to the site.

However Blunts Farm Estates has appealed against the enforcement notice and elected that the outcome be decided by public inquiry.

In its appeal documents the developer says the course is "largely complete" and "requires only a few months work to complete it". It adds that completion of the course complies with all relevant planning policy and will benefit the area.

The firm denies any departure from planning permission and says any variation would be minimal and should be permitted.

And it says the development will not harm the area and will be appropriate to the Green Belt.

The company adds that it has followed advice from council officers who attended a number of site meetings.

Blunts Farm Estates argues that the levels on the land and volume of fill material have not exceeded permitted levels, that site measurements carried out by the district council were inaccurate and no unsuitable material has been brought onto the land.

It also claims the district council has been heavy-handed, saying steps taken exceeded what is necessary, the seven-day notice gave insufficient notice to contractors and the two-year period to construct the landform is too short.

Blunts Farm Estate spokesman George Dilloway said: "We feel we've a good chance of winning the appeal."

The appeal follows reports that Theydon Bois and Abridge Action Group's complaint against the district council over its handling of Blunts Farm has been forwarded to the Local Government Ombudsman.

A district council spokesman said it would have welcomed negotiations with the developer rather than putting the scheme on hold until a public inquiry was held and determined.

He added: "There's still opportunity for talks while waiting but this can only be with the co-operation of the developers."